Activist Li testifies he never contacted Lai directly

Activist Andy Li Yu-hin had no direct contact with Jimmy Lai Chee-ying himself, it was revealed at the 57th day of Lai's national security trial.

Li testified that he had only met Lai's assistant, Mark Simon, once in person on September 29, 2019, during a meeting with United Senator Rick Scott in Hong Kong.

He clarified that he did not communicate with Simon afterward.

Li confirmed his connection with Simon through their membership in WhatsApp groups called "Coffee on Sunday" and "HK Sunday Meeting," which mainly focused on logistical arrangements for the meeting with Senator Scott. Li had also communicated with Simon via email regarding funding matters.

The court previously heard that between June and August 2019, Li had launched three crowdfunding campaigns to purchase advertisements in overseas media outlets.

Simon and two of Lai's companies - LAIS Hotel and Dico - were reported to have assisted Li with the advanced payments for these ads.

Yesterday was the first day that King's Counsel Marc Corlett from New Zealand - representing 76-year-old Lai - started cross-examination on Li, 33, a prosecution accomplice witness who was among the 12 people caught while attempting to flee to Taiwan in August 2020.

During cross-examination, Li was asked if he needed a bridging loan after using up his savings. An email sent by Li on June 26, 2019, was presented, in which he mentioned that despite depleting his HK$3 million savings, he was still unable to cover the charges.

Li said that the two email addresses mentioned in the message - e.pigeon@hotmail.com and heyderek@yahoo.com - likely belonged to individuals associated with paralegal Chan Tsz-wah, who was reported to have close ties with Lai and Simon.

Li also said that after the "G20 Newspaper Advertisement Campaign" in late June 2019, a reimbursement of HK$1.55 million was made to Chartwell Holding Taiwan Branch, a company managed by Simon.

Li also acknowledged that on November 21, 2019, Simon had transferred HK$500,000 to him as a repayment of the funds raised through fundraising.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com